Who's the REAL Monster?

             Throughout the ages, society has been based on stark contrasts: good or bad, rich or poor, beautiful or ugly, normal or aberrant. Some of these contrasts are based on realities and people are born into these situations, others are perceptions by society itself. In Mary Shelley's, Frankenstein, this act of erring by the society of the day is extremely evident. Two of the contrasts revolve around the central characters, Dr. Frankenstein and the monster. Society's perception of these two extremely different characters are on the exact opposite side of the scale of what they truly are. Dr. Frankenstein is more of a monster while the creature is more 'humane'.
             Dr. Frankenstein, the so-called decent, no-fault man, is actually authoritarian, obstinate, and extreme in his actions throughout the novel. From the very first encounter with Victor Frankenstein, we get a hint of his character when he asks Robert Walton, "Do you share my madness?" (p.24). This is one of the first things he asks once he recovers from his illness. From the beginning we know that something is wrong with Victor.
             Dr. Frankenstein's irresponsibility is illustrated many times in the feelings he displays toward his creation. While he is in the process of shaping his creation, Frankenstein is so caught up in his work and his yearning to be remembered for all time that does not consider what may happen after life is breathed into his creation. He is so consumed by his work that he does not sleep for days on end, go outside, eat meals, or write to his family. Frankenstein even admits that he could not control his obsession with his work, "For this I had deprived myself of rest and health" (p.67).
             After his creation comes to life, he refuses to accept his obligation as the creator to his creation, "Unable to endure the aspect of the being I had created, I rushed out of the room," (p.67). This shows Frankenstein ...

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Who's the REAL Monster?. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 06:06, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/77487.html